Lawayne Childrey
Teachers are Hard to Keep in Small Rural Towns
Tuesday, June 02, 2009
Forty seven of Mississippi's 152 school districts do not have enough qualified teachers in the classroom. This morning in our continuing series, "Mississippi's Critical Teacher Shortage," MPB's Lawayne Childrey takes us to the Wilkinson County School District and examines why it's so hard to keep good teachers.
Governor's Education Plan Means Record Funding
Monday, June 01, 2009
Mississippi's public school districts could see millions more in their budget next year. But as MPB's Lawayne Childrey reports the proposal comes with controversy.
Tough Summer for Teen Jobs
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Increased competition and fewer jobs are making the summer job search tougher for Mississippi teens. MPB's Lawayne Childrey reports.
Mississippians on Sotomayor’s Nomination to the Supreme Court
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Mississippian's are weighing in on the supreme court nomination of 54 year old Sonia Sotomayor. MPB's Lawayne Childrey reports.
Sweeping Credit Changes
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Like most of the country Mississippi has seen an increase in credit card use because of the spiraling economy. But as MPB's Lawayne Childrey reports new legislation will protect debt -ridden consumers from many of the surprise charges common in the industry.
First Black Mayor Elected in Philadelphia
Friday, May 22, 2009
For four decades Philadelphia Mississippi was a KKK stronghold . But as MPB's Lawayne Childrey reports the recent election of the city's first black mayor is a testament to just how far the city has come.
Expanding Mississippi Trade with China
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Chinese firms representing billions of dollars in potential investment opportunities are in Mississippi this week.. MPB's Lawayne Childrey reports.
Addressing Spike in STD Cases Through Condom Education
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Because of a rise in sexually transmitted diseases in Mississippi health officials are urging education leaders to provide more education about abstinence and condom use. MPB's Lawayne Childrey reports.
Fighting Domestic Violence
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Mississippi ranks in the top 5 in domestic violence cases nationwide. MPB's Lawayne Childrey reports the impact extends far beyond the perpetrator and their intended victim.
High Unemployment Numbers Put New Light on Workforce Training
Monday, May 18, 2009
As Mississippi's unemployment rate nears double digits, workforce training has become more important to businesses and workers. MPB's Lawayne Childrey reports.
Drinking and Driving Equals Disaster
Friday, May 15, 2009
About 1000 people died from accidents on Mississippi roadways last year, nearly half were alcohol related. MPB's Lawayne Childrey reports how the mix of drinking and driving is a brew for disaster.
Cigarette tax increase starts today
Thursday, May 14, 2009
The Mississippi State Tax Commission has spent the past several days telling distributors and stores how to handle paperwork for the new 68 cent per pack cigarette tax that starts today. But as MPB's Lawayne Childrey reports the new tax is leaving a bad taste in the mouths of some some retailers and smokers.
Getting a full count in 2010 US Census
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
The Governor’s office is recruiting state and community leaders from Horn Lake to Biloxi to serve on a Complete Count Committee to ensure every Mississippian is counted in the 2010 US Census. MPB's Lawayne Childrey has more.
Mississippi's Primary Safety Belt Law Saves Lives
Friday, May 08, 2009
According to the Mississippi Highway Patrol, last year nearly 800 people died on Mississippi roads The majority of those were not wearing a seatbelt. MPB's Lawayne Childrey reports what impact if any the states seatbelt law has on driver safety.
Capital City Mourns Death of Mayor Frank Melton
Thursday, May 07, 2009
Funeral arrangements for Jackson Mayor Frank Melton are incomplete. But as MPB's Lawayne Childrey reports both critics and supporters of the mayor continue mourning his loss.
Frank Melton Hospitalized in Critical Condition, Council Appoints Interim
Wednesday, May 06, 2009
Jackson City Council President Leslie Mclemore will serve as the city's interim mayor, as Mayor Frank Melton remains in guarded but critical condition at at a local hospital. MPB's Lawayne Childrey reports how the mayors health crisis could impact the city, and the mayors upcoming federal civil rights trial.
Hattiesburg School District Reducing Dropout Rate with Variety of Programs
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
Hattiesburg High School is on the right track when it comes to keeping students in school. Education officials say last year about 27 students dropped out the high school. This year that number has been cut in half. In today's dropout awareness series, MPB's Lawayne Childrey reports on some key programs that school officials believe is helping to make the difference.
Lawmakers Return to Complete Regular Session Work
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
State Lawmakers return to the Capitol today to complete work on the state budget and several other issues. MPB's lawayne Childrey has more.
School Officials are Preparing for Swine Flu in Mississippi
Thursday, April 30, 2009
While there are no confirmed cases of swine flu in Mississippi, today the state department of education is urging all school districts to be vigilant in guarding against the contagious respiratory disease. MPB's Lawayne Childrey reports.
Mississippian's Assess Obama’s 100 Days in Office
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
This week Mississippian's are reflecting on how President Barack Obama's first 100 days in office has impacted the state. MPB's Lawayne Childrey reports.